The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop
Matthew Kukah on Sunday berated the current administration for its handling of
Nigeria’s security challenges, saying Boko Haram terrorists are consuming the
nation under President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch, Channels Television reports.
Kukah in his 2021 Easter message titled,
‘Before our glory departs’, recalled that President Buhari had in 2015
described Boko Haram insurgents as a typical case of small fires causing large
fires.
“On May 29, 2015, President Muhammadu
Buhari, at his swearing-in as President of Nigeria, said: Boko Haram is a
typical case of small fires causing large fires,” Kukah said.
“Now, before his watch, the fires are
consuming the nation, and in many instances, they indeed start small.
“In all, Nigeria’s troubles are growing
by the day, but our hands must remain stretched out in supplication.”
Bishop Kukah, the report further states, also blamed those in power
for the increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and armed robbery
in the country, noting that insecurity keeps deteriorating because the ruling
class pays more attention to rehabilitating bandits and kidnappers than the
victims.
According to Channels television Kukah expressed concern over the killing of
security operatives and the “helplessness” of the citizens, saying: “Taunted by
Boko Haram, ravaged by bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other merchants
of death across the nation, there is collective fear as to whether Nigeria’s
glory is about to depart! Retired military and intelligence officers lament
over what has become of their glorious profession as they watch the humiliation
of our military personnel.
“Traumatised citizens are tortured daily
by bandits. The nation has since become a massive killing field, as both
government and the governed look on helplessly.
“A thick and suffocating cloud of
desperation, despondency, desolation, gloom, and misery hangs in the hot air.
We have no message and have no idea how long this will last. Our people seek
solace and protection, but frustration and darkness threaten to drown them. Is
their government on AWOL?”
